1985-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Superintendent of Schools Budget. The 1985 -86 budget for the school system was developed according to school committee guide- lines to maintain existing staffing ratios and pro- grams. The committee initiated an expanded review process which permitted an intensive examination of programs in Language Arts, English and Special Education. In addition to funds necessary for the maintenance of basic programs, the administration presented the committee with a variety of possible expenditures which would improve or expand programs. The committee voted a total of $98,140 for program improvements in drama, computer, community rela- tions, guidance, business /school partnerships and instructional materials. The total 1985 -86 school budget of $20,619,755 reflected a reduction of 12.6 staff positions and a per -pupil expenditure somewhat lower than area school systems frequently compared with Lexington's. Class Size. Over all, class size remained the same in 1985 -86, as in 1984 -85. Per teacher student ratios are as follows: High school 15.6 Grades 1 to 6 23.3 Junior high 15.1 Kindergarten 15.2 At the secondary level, some unevenness occurs as a result of such factors as planned scheduling (e.g., orchestra), high student demand (e.g., semiotics), individual needs and school commitment to continue course sequence (e.g., Level IV Spanish). Staff Evaluation. The school committee and the Lexington Education Association (LEA) worked for a third year to develop a new staff evaluation instru- ment. Several interim measures to streamline evalu- ation procedures have been approved and implemented. During 1985 -86, a proposal will be forwarded to staff members for their assessment; the proposal will be introduced after negotiations between the committee and the teachers' association. Early Education Study. In response to parent and staff questions about the organization and structure of the early education program (kindergarten, K to 1, and grade 1), the school system initiated a pro- gram review conducted by a visiting committee of eight outside experts. In order to examine the cur- rent program and make recommendations, they visited the schools for three days, interviewing staff, ob- serving classes and reviewing data and curricular materials. The report has been made available to the public and discussed by the school committee. Building Administrative Staff Changes. Two former chairmen of academic departments recently assumed building administrative positions. Anthony (Tony) Capezza, Chairman of Social Studies at Diamond Junior High for ten years, became Housemaster of J House at the High School replacing Patricia Falconer, who retired. Bruce Storm, former Chairman of the English Department at Clarke Junior High, is now the school's Assistant Principal, replacing John Capone, who retired. School /Community Relations. To implement the school committee's goal to develop school - community rela- tionships, the central administration is consoli- dating and systematizing many citizen - related activities in a newly- created position. Georgia Glick joined the staff as Administrative Assistant for Community Relations and works part -time during the school year. She is establishing a network of non - school parent citizens, and developing and dis- seminating information about school programs and activities. As in past years the school system has responded both to the continued decline in enrollment and to the need for program development and change. on one hand, the administration was reducing staff posi- tions and planning for school closing, redistricting and grade level reorganization; on the other it was introducing a new math program, evaluating the early education programs, expanding adult and community education programs and involving more volunteers in school activities, as well as cooperating with the tan to initiate major facility improvements. While the enrollment decline no longer affects the elementary grades, the high school will decline from 1800 students to approximately 1300 over the next four years. As with the enrollment decline else- where, this phenomenon will present both opportuni- ties and difficulties. The vitality of the system and its remarkable ability to adjust to changing conditions will continue to be its most valuable resource as it deals with this final phase of the current demographic shift. High School Mixed Chorus performs under direction of music teacher Sandi Peaslee. r x .r Education 33